Reservations Information ... details ±

Call 1-877-7-CAMP-NC (722-6762) or select a park from the dropdown box on the left to navigate to the reservations page for that park. Online and call center reservations can ONLY be made for July 15 and thereafter.

Visitors can continue to make reservations for week-long stays and Falls, Jordan and Kerr lakes for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park. Reservations also can be made for picnic shelters and community buildings at most parks for arrival dates of July 14 and earlier by calling or visiting the park.

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Protected Swimming Area & Concession Stand On Bear Island Open Wednesday through Sunday ... details ±

Hammocks Beach State Park lifeguards will be on duty on Bear Island from Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors will be able to swim at their own risk on Mondays and Tuesdays. PLEASE be aware that rip currents can occur at any time and can be extremely dangerous. The concession stand will also be open Wednesday through Sunday. PLEASE bring any soft drinks and snacks with you to the island on Mondays and Tuesdays. Indoor showers on Bear Island are open to campers from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. each day, and drinking water, outdoor showers and restroom facilities are open. Please contact the park office with any questions.

PLEASE NOTE: Carts and Wagons will not be allowed on the Ferry

Updated: 2009-06-26 12:53:18

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Click the links below to view maps for this park.

Directions

The Hammocks Beach State Park office and ferry dock are located in Onslow County between Jacksonville and Morehead City.

From I-95, take I-40 east to NC 24. Follow NC 24 east through Jacksonville to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.

From the south, take US 17 north to Jacksonville, and turn on NC 24 east to Swansboro. Turn right onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.

From points east, follow Highway 24 west into Swansboro. Turn left onto Old Hammocks Road. Turn left onto Hammocks Beach Road. About 500 feet before the end of the road, turn right into the park entrance.

From the park office area, the passenger ferry provides transportation to Bear Island for a modest fee. The island is also accessible by private boat or marine taxi service.

The island is also accessible by private boat, canoe / kayak or marine taxi service.

Toll ferry

Note: the ferry schedule is available on the Park Menu to the left. Due to sand migration in the channel the ferry uses to transport visitors to Bear Island, the ferry schedule can change on a daily basis. Please refer to the schedule, or contact the park office for more information.

The 2.5-mile passenger ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and offers a glimpse of interesting wetland inhabitants, including herons and egrets. After traveling through the Intracoastal Waterway, the ferry moves through the shallow waters of Cow Channel, a channel through which cows were once herded to the island for grazing. The ferry then docks at the pier on Bear Island where a half-mile trail travels through the dune system, across the island, to the beach. This 15-minute walk is like a trip through the desert. The sand is often hot; wear protective shoes.

The park ferry operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day except in inclement weather. During popular summer months, a line often forms for the ferry and the island quickly reaches capacity. Arrive early in the day to avoid long delays.